Unemployment in Pope County increased from November to December, according to information released Wednesday by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (DWS).

Pope County had a 7.5 percent unemployment rate in December, up from 7.3 in November. The figure is also higher than December 2012's unemployment rate of 6.9 percent.

Russellville's unemployment rate was lower than the county rate, at 7.1 percent, which was one-tenth of a percentage higher than the previous month.

In Yell County, unemployment rose from 5.6 percent in November to 6 percent in December. Johnson County's December unemployment rate remained the same as in November, at 6.8 percent.

Statewide unemployment figures for December were released in late January. DWS said December’s rate of 7.4 percent was down one-tenth of a percentage point from November.

"Arkansas’ unemployment rate declined in December, largely the result of a gain in employment and a corresponding increase in the size of the civilian labor force," DWS Communications Director Becky Heflin said. "This is the second month in a row that Arkansas’ employment has increased."

The agency said five sectors reported job losses in December, with the largest drop coming in leisure and hospitality positions.

But the trade, transportation and utilities sector increased by 1,600 jobs, with most of the hiring happening at retail stores for the holidays.

Arkansas’ unemployment rate remained above the national average of 6.7 percent in December.